William Blaylock

William Bryan "Bill" Blaylock, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at his home.

He was born June 17, 1929, in Cape Girardeau, to Mark and Elizabeth Jane Crockett Blaylock. He first married Shirley Ervin Nov. 20, 1955, in Cape Girardeau. She preceded him in death Oct. 1, 1998. He and Peggy Whittaker were married May 8, 1999, in Cape Girardeau.

Blaylock was an educator from 1951 through 1987, teaching at Shepherd, Brook, Juden and Jefferson schools. He was principal at Washington Elementary in Cape Girardeau from 1961 to 1967 and Washington School in Normandy, Mo., from 1968 to 1977. He also was supervisor of buildings and grounds in Normandy.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. He was a life member of American Legion Post 63, serving as the first vice president, was instrumental in increasing membership, and started the Ham and Bean Dinner. He was a life member of VFW Post 3838 where he served as trustee; was a member of Exchange Club; Jaycees; Missouri, Cape Girardeau and Normandy Teachers Associations; and served on the Red Cross board.

He served in the U.S. Army.

Blaylock was a Boy Scout more than 38 years, serving as a Scoutmaster, member of Order of the Arrow, earning the Wood Badge and the Silver Beaver Award.

He served as the ombudsman with the Area Agency on Aging at Heartland Care and Rehab. He would deliver tapes to Heartland from both First General Baptist Church and Wesley United Methodist Church. He was known as the Candy Man as he served as a lay leader at Wesley United Methodist Church three years.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy Blaylock of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Mark (Pamela) Blaylock of Cape Girardeau, William (Jill) Blaylock II of Eureka, Mo.; four grandchildren; and five stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Revs. Mike Parry and Debbie Arvelo officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wesley United Methodist Church, 142 Carnation Lane, Jackson, MO 63755.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.